Honda vehicles are globally respected because these cars are very powerful, reliable and they have an excellent resale value. Honda car owners hardly have to deal with difficult problems because these vehicles are very durable and trusty. Sometimes, however, even with the most ideal Honda model, you may encounter the annoying Check Engine Light. Almost all drivers in the world dread the bright illuminating light that indicates that there is a problem with your engine. Unfortunately, this light just cannot be ignored. That is why we decided to write a review that will guide consumers to the best OBD 2 scanners for Honda cars.
The Honda vehicle is popularly known for being a very strong and reliable car that can be maintained quite easily. However, as we all know, these cars are still susceptible to a ton of issues just like many other vehicle brands.
Therefore, if you want to ensure that your vehicle remains in excellent condition, you should consider investing in an engine code reader, or even a full-blown engine scanner.
There are millions of drivers who take a trip to the mechanic as soon as the Check Engine Light comes on. As we all know regularly driving to the mechanic to have him diagnose the error codes in the engine of your Honda can get quite expensive.
There a number of mechanics who charge a lot of money just to have your car engine scanned. However, if you own your own OBD scanner, then you can quickly and easily find out what issues your engine is facing and finally determine exactly what method you will take to adjust the problem.
An OBD scanner is a car diagnostic tool and this device allows drivers to zero in on the problem as well as clear all error codes from your vehicle’s CPU. The OBD ports have been systematized in most of the vehicles manufactured from the year 1998. The ports are normally discovered below the steering column of your car’s engine.
Making use of a car diagnostic tool is quite simple as this tool gives you the chance to look out for any error codes such as airbag/SRS, engine management lights and so much more. There are a number of professional diagnostic tools that carry out tests in real-time. This enables you to efficiently diagnose the data from your vehicle.
Classic Honda models manufactured from the year 1980 to 1998 will most likely be manufactured with an OBD 1 port. The OBD 1 scanners are much simpler to use, however, they do not provide a lot of information or data. There are a number of OBD 1 scanners that have been integrated into OBD 2 scanning tools. These scanners are designed to be able to work together with a large number of cars in the industry.
As technology continues to improve. So do the car diagnostic tool that we use. The features of the scanner improve greatly and so does the compatibility. With the scanner, you can communicate with your vehicle by using a wired connection from the OBD port to the scanner and the smartphone via Bluetooth connection.
An automotive scanner is a very crucial tool and quite beneficial as it helps you save a lot of time, energy and money. To make the task of looking for the best scanner for your Honda possible, we have created a list for the most ideal scanners in the market.
In this review, we also break down the main features of the scanner as well as the key advantages. This guide will give you a glimpse of what you should expect from your device.
Additionally, we have reviewed a number of factors that you must put into consideration when buying your OBD 2 scanner. If you are on the look for the most ideal scanner in the market, this guide should help you through the entire process.
The Best OBD 2 Scanners for Honda
Comparison table
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Autel Maxidas DS808
The Autel Maxidas DS808 weighs only 2.05 lbs. The light-weight feature of this scanner comes in really handy. It is also easy to carry around and handling this scanner is not hard at all. The scanner also possesses grand vehicle coverage features.
This means that the vehicle can be used on a ton of vehicles from the United States, Europe, and even Asia. The scanner works on vehicles that have been manufactured from 1996 to 2017 and the electronic systems are taken care of using the OE level system.
With this unit, you will be able to gain access to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of a ton of control systems on your vehicle. This includes the airbag system, the anti-lock brake, engine, and the transmission system.
Not only does this scanner locate problems in your car, but it is also quite effective at clearing codes as well as carrying out active tests on your engine. The tests are quite advanced because they allow you to try out your output elements. This is great as you do not have to depend on the status of your ignition.
This nifty appliance gives you the chance to scrutinize the live data and coding of your vehicle. The machine also offers you a variety of different features and functions.
The scanner can also match and adapt. This function provides you with an advanced automotive examination and diagnosis. You can also carry out a number of service functions on your vehicle. This includes ABS services, TPMS programming, and oil resets.
A software update is also included in this scanner and it automatically updates the MaxiDAS system. A great advantage is that the manufacturers provide their consumers with a 1-year online update. There is also the oil service reset function that improves the life system of the engine oil.
The Autel maxidas also gives you access to the car’s ECU which means that you can take a look at the tire sensor IDs. Additionally, the unit takes care of reset procedures popularly associated with tire replacement.
The SAS service also settles any issues that you could be having with your steering. If you also want to clear error codes and matter from the DPF filter, this unit stabilizes the performance of the filter.
Pros
- It scans all the internal systems of your vehicle.
- It resets the lights that indicate the condition of your engine, the oil and even the pressure of your tire.
- The apps on this scanner are very easy to use.
Cons
- The processing speed of the tablet can get quite slow
- There are some rare cases where your scanner may freeze and will have to be rebooted.
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Foxwell NT510 OBD II Code Scanner
The Foxwell scanner has a really small and compact design which makes it so easy to carry and handle the scanner with just one hand. The scanner makes use of a cable that is connected to the car and quickly reads all of the information from the vehicle’s system. This short cable also comes in handy as it charges the scanner.
A great advantage of this scanner is that it is compatible with both OBD 1 cars and OBD 2 cars as well. The scanner features very powerful characteristics that are very effective at helping you become aware of issues that your engine could be facing. The scanner works very fast and provides accurate results.
It is equipped with all the features that you would expect to find in a quality scanner. It provides you with live data recording and there is also the capability to erase any kind of error codes.
Other advanced features that the scanner provides include the capability to program features in your vehicle, adapting the coding in your car and actuation. There are so many scanners that are not able to run all of these system tests. You can also use the control modules to run programming tasks.
The Foxwell NT520 scanner has been described as one of the most durable scanners in the industry. It is designed with superlative rubber that safeguards the internal device while allowing it to maintain an attractive look.
The scanner is also equipped with extra padding material on the corners. The screen is kept safe with the use of a screen protector that allows it to maintain a barrier and safeguard it from scratches and abrasions.
Pros
- The scanner is made specifically for Honda vehicles
- The scanner can scan your ECU which is great as you are provided with additional diagnostics.
- Consumers are provided with free upgrades for life.
Cons
- All the scan options that you are provided with may not be compatible with all Honda cars
- The scanner’s processing speed is much slower than other scanning tools.
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Autel MaxiLink ML619
The Autel MaxiLink ML619 blast of being one of the best scanning tools when it comes to scanning for issues in your vehicle and reading codes. The scanner is quick at detecting faults and errors in your car’s system. This includes the anti-lock brake system as well as the supplement restraint system.
This OBD 2 scanner works well on vehicles that are based and manufactures in the United States from 1996 and Europe based vehicles that have been manufactured from 2000.
As we all know, as the years continue to pass by, systems continue to upgrade and change. The system to Honda vehicles is no exception to this fact. That is why experts and other professionals always recommend consumers to purchase scanners that are equipped with the latest software.
A scanner that has a system that is out of date will not be able to help you in any kind of way. A scanner that can allow for a number of updates and can upgrade to the latest version is exactly what you need.
The code reader of the Autel MaxiLink can update which is great as this feature allows you to increase the compatibility with so many more vehicles. The updates are actually free of charge which is an added advantage.
This unit allows you to recover generic and manufacturer specific codes as well as any pending codes. These codes are very necessary allowing you to accurately pick out the issues that are present in your car.
For those who may not be able to understand the meaning of certain codes, this scanner is exactly what you need. The unit clearly mentions the problem and you do not have to research exactly what the codes mean.
Not only does this scanner aid in identifying the issue or problem of various vehicle systems, but it also easily clears the error codes. The scanner is great at allowing you to read codes as well as storing and playing back live data that is in the system.
This is great as you can check out the health status of your car and find out if it is in excellent condition or if there are any potential problems that may be present in the car.
There are a number of vehicles that reveal different issues by revealing warning lights on the ignition status. The most common ones are the ABS, SRS, And check engine lights. Here is where the scanner comes in handy as it allows you to reset monitors that will turn the warning lights off.
There are a number of cases whereby you require the Vehicle Identification information. This will provide you with an accurate diagnosis. The scanner allows you to acquire this information quite easily.
Pros
- The scanner is equipped with all Honda codes as well as manufacturer-specific codes
- The scanner can check and reset OBD2 Lights
- The unit can scan the vehicle’s performance in real-time.
Cons
- The unit may not have all ABS codes of the Honda
- The scanner may not be able to connect to older computers
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Factors that must be put into Consideration When Purchasing an OBD 2 scanner for Your Honda
Purchasing the most ideal OBD scanner for your vehicle can prove to be a very difficult and confusing task. This is because of the large number of brands and types of OBD scanners in the industry.
This is why we have taken the time to compile a very well researched and detailed section that contains information which can guide you as you shop for an OBD scanner for your Honda. This list has been put together by basing the necessary features and factors that should be put into consideration when buying an OBD scanner.
The Compatibility with your Operating System
When browsing through different OBD 2 scanners, it is important that you make sure that your unit is compatible with your Honda. If your scanner is not compatible then you will not be able to scan or diagnose your vehicle.
A normal OBD 2 scanner should be able to work well with your operating system. Some scanners can also work well with Android phones, IOS, Windows and Mac, however, not all scanners are compatible with all these platforms. Great functioning scanners should be able to work with at least three OS Platforms.
It is also advisable to go through customer reviews that will provide you with a lot of information about the scanner that you consider quite ideal.
It is also important that you make sure that it can work on most operating systems so that you do not have to buy or download any unique operating system before you even get the chance to use it.
The Scanner should have a very powerful OBD 2 Software
Another major factor that you must consider when looking for an OBD 2 scanner is the software and the app that your unit is using. A reliable OBD 2 reader should come with a software application.
If your OBD scanner does not come with an application, it should be compatible with a great and efficient app that can be easily downloaded from any app store like the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. The app should have been tested a number of times and it should also be quite reliable.
These apps can also allow you to scan and monitor more than one car at a time. The app also educates users about the definition of each and every code that will appear, helping you learn more about your own engine.
The number of functions and features that your app presents depend on the manufacturing company. It is advisable to take some time to go through the features if your OBD scanner before finally purchasing it.
The Updates on Your Scanner
It is very important that you take a look at the updated policy of your scanner before purchasing it. A few manufacturers sell their scanners and include a 1-year warranty.
Other manufacturers offer more than one-year warranty and take care of free updates for a period of 2-3 years while other scanners come with a lifetime of free updates for your OBD software.
There are a number of scan tools, however, that cannot provide you with any free updates. That means that you will most likely have to pay for the update that could cost you over $40.
Updating your OBD scanner is very necessary. Updates will equip your scanning tool with the most recent diagnostic technology. This will even ensure that your scanner can work well with new car models in the industry. Updates also allow you to take care of new problems in your vehicle.
Easy to Use
A great OBD 2 scanner should feature very easy to use functions and features. Setting up this scanner should not be a quick and easy process and using the scanner should not require the user to possess lots of technical facts and knowledge.
The software and the app that your scanner will use should also be very easy to install into your device. Connecting your scanner and other gadgets to Bluetooth should also be a very easy process allowing you to get the full diagnostic report from your vehicle. This feature must be put into consideration so that you can have an easy time when trying to find out the condition of your car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an OBD Scanner
An OBD scanner is a device that gives the user information on the condition of the car. It tells the car owner if there is something wrong with the car, including information on trouble codes, MIL (malfunction indicator light) and many other issues that the car may be facing.
The scanners are designed with inbuilt sensors that help in detecting the problem in your vehicle as well as problems with your SRS, catalytic converter, transmission, engine oil, spark plugs and airbags.
Why is the Check Engine Light of my Honda on?
When the Check Engine light of your Honda comes on, that means that there are a couple of factors that you may need to check out. These include factors such as the amount of fuel in your car, the humidity of your car if any new device has been correctly installed into your vehicle and many other factors.
All of these different factors may actually contribute to the reason why your check engine light is on. Excessive humidity could be caused by a leak in your vehicle, or a new device could be interfering with the control system of your vehicle
Why should I use an OBD Scanner?
There are so many advantages that come with owning an OBD 2 scanner. First of all, once the scanner is connected to your vehicle you can easily diagnose the problem and even point out exactly where and what the issue is. This helps you learn so much more about your car and allows you to fix the problem.
An OBD scanner also helps you save a lot of money. Even if you're not a mechanic or a professional the OBD scanner enables you to view standard PIDs and read codes. In this way, you are able to view the exact problem. The results are presented quickly allowing you to save on a lot of the time and the energy that you would spend searching for the problem.
Conclusion
When you realize that the check engine light of your Honda is on, you have the option of dealing with the problem in two ways.
You can either take a trip to the garage or you could use your own OBD 2 scanner and save a lot of money. If you choose to grab your own OBD 2 scanner, you can refer to our guide that has listed the best OBD scanners that are in the market.
In our opinion, the Foxwell NT510 OBD II Code Scanner is the most ideal option for your Honda. The scanner has been manufactured specifically for Honda cars.
It is designed with additional diagnostics and users are also guaranteed that they will receive free updates. This allows you to diagnose and take care of the issues of your Honda without spending a lot of money.
